from junior colleges and NAIA schools out of high school. He turned them all down at the time, choosing instead to enroll at Indiana where his studies would come first, second and third.

"I didn't think playing was in my best interest," he said.

Following the fall audition, Smith shelved any thought of rekindling his basketball career. October then became November, which fell into December. And Smith's phone stayed silent. That was OK. He simply went back to the pickup games at the Wildermuth Intramural Center and his studies as a sports communication/ broadcast major.

Around mid-January, Smith received a call from the basketball office inquiring about his spring semester class schedule. The Indiana coaches also wanted him to drop by Cook Hall, fill out some additional paperwork and then added a certain request that heightened Smith's interest.

"Make sure," he was told, "you bring your shoes."

After filling out more paperwork, Smith was instructed to change into some practice gear and join the Hoosiers, who already were at work on the floor of Assembly Hall.

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"I was overwhelmed," Smith said. "IU basketball growing up was all about tradition. You kind of have to take a step back and think, 'Wow, this is it.'"

Smith practiced during the 2011 spring semester but never dressed in uniform during games for the Hoosiers, who finished 12-20. Instead, he could be occasionally spotted near the end of the bench wearing a gray sweat suit. His role this season as a sophomore is easy -- give all-out effort every day in drills so the core rotation of guards (Maurice Creek, Jordan Hulls, Verdell Jones III, Victor Oladipo and Matt Roth) is challenged to the point where playing against Michigan State or Purdue or Wisconsin is easier than practice.

Smith split time between South Bend and Bloomington during the summer, but rarely did a day pass without him being in the gym. He worked on all aspects of his game -- from hitting the weights to hoisting jumpers. Not working hard simply is not an option for anyone -- scholarship star or walk-on grinder -- who plays for Crean.

"He will definitely work you," Smith said. "If you're not ready to work, you might as well not be in the gym."

Smith's goal this season is simple -- practice hard enough and well enough to dress out in the traditional red-and-white-striped warm-ups for a regular-season game. He already has one date in mind -- the Dec. 17 game against Notre Dame in the Crossroads Classic at Conseco Fieldhouse. What better way to make his collegiate debut with the Hoosiers than against the team whose campus sits mere miles from his south-side home?